GEMSDEPOSIT on Etsy - personal experience

[Avondale]

I recently purchased this ruby from Etsy vendor GemDeposit (shop name is gemSdeposit):

Here's the good. The vendor provided me with plenty of photos and videos of the stone, as I had requested. I found them to be pretty colour-accurate, aside from minor differences in hue that are expected, different screens and all. They were prompt in their answers, patient with my questions, provided me with any additional information I requested. Even though the stone was already certified, they were willing to send it to a second lab at my request.

Overall I found them to be pretty accommodating. They put the ruby on hold for me so that I can consider the additional information (and consult with the PS experts, of course). They offered DHL Express shipping at additional cost as an extra option to the less secure free shipping via post. The stone arrived in my hands in about 48 hours, securely packaged and accompanied by its lab report. They also made my life a lot easier, let's just say, in terms of VAT, without me ever requesting that in any way, for which I am naturally grateful.

And here's the less good, which I hesitate a bit to call "bad" outright, as I suspect it might be a matter of cultural differences rather than maliciousness - the vendor is based in Thailand. When I asked about the stone's clarity, I was told, direct quote, "There are some crystal inclusions and a some very very slight feather. It's an eye clean stone."

But it is very much not an eye clean stone. There are some silk clouds and there's a small indentation on the pavilion. Those are visible in the videos, but can easily be missed and the vendor didn't draw my attention to them specifically when answering my question about inclusions. The stone also has a healed fracture which is clearly visible under UV light that I discussed prior to purchase.

And this is the main problem, because in person this healed fracture, due to its angle, is a lot more visible and cuts right through the table. Here's a picture which, although quite colour-inaccurate, is angled and zoomed in sufficiently to display it at its worst, for best visibility:

This cloudy and dull part on the right is where the healed fracture reflects the light in a very unattractive manner.

I did discuss this issue with the vendor after I received the ruby and I told them this stone should never have been described as "eye clean", and that they should've provided a more accurate description of the clarity when I inquired about it. They did agree to a 10% discount (which was processed very quickly) and I agreed to keep the ruby as the fracture's visibility can be greatly reduced as long as light isn't allowed to enter into the stone from its side.

A very odd thing happened just before my refund was processed - the entire order was cancelled in Etsy's system. The shop has overwhelmingly positive reviews - currently 87 out of 155 sales. It does make me wonder if people who've had less than perfect experiences have had their orders cancelled which results in the inability to leave a review. But that's purely speculation on my part, I have no idea how Etsy's system works and if it maybe requires order cancellation in order to process a partial refund.

Overall I am pleased with my purchase. My priority was colour and fluorescence, and in terms of both I received exactly what I had hoped for. The vendor was truthful in their descriptions of the colour. The price I paid was fair provided the level of treatment (heated with minor residues) and the clarity (and the limitations stemming from it regarding setting the stone). Besides, I believe that once it's set into a ring it will be pretty close to eye clean when viewed at an arm's length. If I were to leave an Etsy review, it would probably be 4 out of 5.

However, to anyone considering buying from the same vendor, I would advise you to ask very diligently every question you can think of regarding a stone's shortcomings. Chances are you'll be provided with ample photo and video material and will be left to pixel peep it by yourself.

If anyone would like to see more photos and read about the entire process, here's my original thread on it: https://www.pricescope.com/communit...ger-on-a-ruby-come-and-help-me-decide.277295/

I will also tag @Eli22 and @Autumn in New England who, too, have bought from the same vendor and I hope will be willing to share their experiences as well.

 

[ShinyPink]

I'm sorry you have to deal with this. Maybe they have bad eyesight. I'm glad you found a stone with such nice color!
I agree with you about their feedback. Only half of their customers have left any, which always makes me wonder if things weren't so great, so they didn't bother with feedback.
Their gems have great prices, but almost all have inclusions, big windows, or are dark. It depends on what feature the buyer wants or will compromise on. There's a ruby with what looks like a surface-reaching fissure, but they called a feather. The colors of their stones are pretty, so hopefully buyers are making an informed purchase.
All I know is that you should enjoy your stone!

 

[Eli22]

Hi @Avondale! Thank you for sharing your experience with this seller.

I would like to wait until my transaction with them is complete before I share all my thoughts, as I am still in communication with them about my purchase.

That being said, I did not have a *bad* experience, as they were perfectly friendly and responsive with photos/videos/answers. It was just an unsettling/upsetting one due to the lack of disclosure. I think more experienced buyers (or even newbies like me, armed with *all* the questions to ask) may have a different experience.

ETA: I agree with @PinkAndBlueBling - you should enjoy your pretty stone! The color is fab!

 

[Avondale]

The colors of their stones are pretty, so hopefully buyers are making an informed purchase.
All I know is that you should enjoy your stone!

Yes, this was my idea starting the thread. There's really very little information available on etsy vendors and sometimes you're on a budget and can't really afford to go with high-end places. Obviously some compromises have to be made, which is where being properly informed becomes very important.

This vendor has a lot of beautiful gems in stock and its only right that their buyers enjoy them fully, rather than spend time being disappointed because something was not discussed and/or was left undisclosed.

And thank you, I very much love my ruby. It may not be at all a trade ideal colour, but it's exactly the colour I was looking for.

I would like to wait until my transaction with them is complete before I share all my thoughts, as I am still in communication with them about my purchase.

Fingers crossed everything turns out for the better! Do let us know the verdict on your ruby when you receive it!

 

[voce]

I have this shop followed, but am hesitant to buy from them because they lack a lab report on all the listings I've looked at, and did not even state whether heat treatment or unheated applied on a blue sapphire listing. Their gems have nice color, but none of them are top-of-the-line, and maybe someday I might buy from them, but I've had good experience buying from Sri Lankan sellers who disclose more even for a non-top-of-the-line gem.

 

[yssie]

That was a fantastic review. Honest, thorough, and explanatory. In no way did you “bash” the vendor, but you were forthright about your challenges in this transaction - which really helps the rest of us set our own expectations and purchase plans. Thank you for sharing your experience @Avondale!!

 

[Crochet_Sparkles]

I got my most recent ring made by them. It's a cat's eye golden rutilated quartz, and I had them make it into a 9k yg signet ring. I had a very easy pleasant experience with them, and would definitely use them again--but a rutilated quartz is very different than a ruby. So I can definitely see how experiences would differ.

 

[Rfisher]

“Pixel peep” - lol!

I’m glad you shared your experience. You raise good questions and points. Very helpful for others to decide for themselves what they can and can’t roll with.

 

[elle_71125]

Thanks for the review. I loved that you shared the pros and cons so potential buyers can decide if this shop would work for them. I’ve had the clarity issue with a couple of vendors before. I sometimes wonder if I’m pickier than most people or if I just have a different idea of what “eye clean” means. lol. Your new ruby is beautiful btw. The sun shot kills me.

 

[Eli22]

I had pretty much the same experience as Avondale. Very responsive/friendly, provided a lot of photos/videos as requested of the sapphire and ruby I was interested in. I purchased GFCO reports for both items and they were processed very quickly. I also opted for upgraded DHL shipping and had the item in 2 business days.

When I received the gems, I noted they were bright and the colors were pretty true to the photos/videos sent.



Upon looking at the ruby more closely, I noted surface fractures that were not disclosed nor visible to me in the photos/videos and contacted them.



They did not take responsibility for not disclosing the fractures, stating they did not see my query:




When I told them that the listing for my particular stone did not mention any inclusions/defects (some of their listings do, noting “natural inclusions” “cavity on back” “color zoning” etc), they responded: "These are quite common in natural rubies. Only defects that may hamper the stone during any process have been mentioned."

Listing Description:


Other listings:





You get my point…

They do have a good return policy and stated they would process a refund once they receive the gem back. Unlike Avondale, no discounts were offered (maybe I’m not assertive enough lol).

Overall, this was a 3.5/5 star experience. This was my first gemstone purchase from Etsy overseas (I typically purchase from more established, usually US-based sellers). From the time I contacted them to my purchase date, it was about 5 days of communication. I thought I was being thorough in my correspondence with them, but like Avondale said - you will have to rely on “pixel-peeping” (thanks, Urban Dictionary ) and asking for numerous photos/videos in all types of lighting with the gemstone in various positions. I’m inclined to suspect that the images sent to me were oriented in a way to reduce the effect of the blemishes.

The prospect of returning items from overseas is definitely a deterrent for future purchases. I don’t know what to think of Avondale’s order being cancelled/inability to leave a review, but the listings for both my items are also gone from Etsy (vs being marked “Sorry, this item is sold out”):

Since this was a <$1k purchase and I do like the color, I decided to keep the ruby and accept this as a learning experience. I am just accustomed to purchases where everything is disclosed up front (often without my asking). This is also a new experience to me as I have never been upset by a gem purchase before, just slightly disappointed by the color/darkness of one sapphire (come to think of it, that was a Thailand-based seller as well…but much more established/well-known on PS).

TLDR: Friendly seller, accommodating, fast shipping, pretty gemstones, good prices. Potential buyers will need to ask for disclosure of ALL features of a gem and be very specific about requesting clarity descriptions, as their definition of eye clean does not meet the typical parameters.

 

[Avondale]

@Eli22 Thanks for coming back to say how it went! Indeed we had pretty similar experiences. My order is definitely showing as "sold out", but I'm curious, did your orders also get cancelled in your profile? You would've received emails from Etsy if that had happened.

 

[Eli22]

@Eli22 Thanks for coming back to say how it went! Indeed we had pretty similar experiences. My order is definitely showing as "sold out", but I'm curious, did your orders also get cancelled in your profile? You would've received emails from Etsy if that had happened.

Hi Avondale - I purchased through a link they sent me (via PayPal) so I don't think they can cancel my order via Etsy. I just noticed that my saved listing for both stones is gone (I took screenshots anyway, so not a big deal).

 

[Avondale]

Hi Avondale - I purchased through a link they sent me (via PayPal) so I don't think they can cancel my order via Etsy. I just noticed that my saved listing for both stones is gone (I took screenshots anyway, so not a big deal).

Oooh, I see! Your order wasn’t processed through Etsy in the first place, which is why they deleted the listings altogether. This can also explain why only half of their sales have reviews. If you don’t purchase through Etsy, you can’t leave a review.

 

[voce]

Oooh, I see! Your order wasn’t processed through Etsy in the first place, which is why they deleted the listings altogether. This can also explain why only half of their sales have reviews. If you don’t purchase through Etsy, you can’t leave a review.

@Eli22 I believe this practice is against Etsy policy. The seller is not supposed to use links to Etsy listings to sell the goods in a way where payment takes place on PayPal, and Etsy collects no fees. I've had discussions about this with other Etsy vendors, and ones like Daniel M who strictly abide by Etsy policy refuse to transaction off of Etsy.

If you cannot leave a review, you can report them to Etsy for using Etsy to advertise for a sale where they are bypassing Etsy's fees.

 

[Rfisher]

If the vendor transferred the sale from Etsy to another platform, and didn’t lower the price, then they essentially gave themselves a profit margin raise.

Out of curiousity - what was the verbiage of them sending you a outside link instead of processing through Etsy?
Was PayPal not available thru Etsy?
If it’s something you requested - that’s your choice and prerogative. Especially if you are aware of what that entails.
For them to instigate it - I think that’s worse, and a different story especially for someone who doesn’t know what it entails.



It seems you both are satisfied with the amount you paid for the stone’s qualities you received.
Thank you much both for the reviews.

 

[Eli22]

Oooh, I see! Your order wasn’t processed through Etsy in the first place, which is why they deleted the listings altogether. This can also explain why only half of their sales have reviews. If you don’t purchase through Etsy, you can’t leave a review.

Not too familiar with Etsy (I’ve only done a handful of transactions), but that might explain the ratio of sales vs reviews!

@Eli22 I believe this practice is against Etsy policy. The seller is not supposed to use links to Etsy listings to sell the goods in a way where payment takes place on PayPal, and Etsy collects no fees. I've had discussions about this with other Etsy vendors, and ones like Daniel M who strictly abide by Etsy policy refuse to transaction off of Etsy.

If you cannot leave a review, you can report them to Etsy for using Etsy to advertise for a sale where they are bypassing Etsy's fees.

If the vendor transferred the sale from Etsy to another platform, and didn’t lower the price, then they essentially gave themselves a profit margin raise.

Out of curiousity - what was the verbiage of them sending you a outside link instead of processing through Etsy?
Was PayPal not available thru Etsy?
If it’s something you requested - that’s your choice and prerogative. Especially if you are aware of what that entails.
For them to instigate it - I think that’s worse, and a different story especially for someone who doesn’t know what it entails.

It seems you both are satisfied with the amount you paid for the stone’s qualities you received.
Thank you much both for the reviews.

@voce @Rfisher I contacted them via Etsy and told them which stones I wanted from their listings. They provided me all info/photos via Etsy. When I was ready to purchase, I asked them if they could provide a discount for the purchase of both items and they stated 5% off for paying via PayPal link (they invoiced me).


I had no idea that was against Etsy rules! I didn’t think anything of it since it was still a goods and services purchase vs friends and family (that would have set off alarm bells). All our communication was still via Etsy so my brain never registered anything amiss. Totally my fault, I never read these app terms & conditions…I need to be better about that in general

Yes, I am ok with my purchase and learning experience. It wasn’t overly expensive and below the threshold of what I would be interested in dealing with returns/disputes/etc. Glad we could provide some feedback on how to transact with this seller!

 

[Caroline2308]

Hello, I purchased gemstones from this seller multiple time and never had any problems! Infact I was able to resell them for a much higher price back home! BTW Those two gemstone look amazing! Why are you still upset?

I did ask for discount once where they said would send me a link. If it was discounted then you should probably not be complaining about it. Also, just read about getting refunded a certain amount and then complaining about the transaction cancellation we just need to chill a bit and let small shops thrive!

I've been buying gemstones for over 15years and I just see few people complaining for things that are complete accepted or because they are unaware. But unless you paid thousands of dollars per stone. Which I'm pretty sure that ruby was not much cause I think it was the same one I was eyeing from that shop!

Was just wondering how much you paid for them?

 

[icy_jade]

Hello, I purchased gemstones from this seller multiple time and never had any problems! Infact I was able to resell them for a much higher price back home! BTW Those two gemstone look amazing! Why are you still upset?

I did ask for discount once where they said would send me a link. If it was discounted then you should probably not be complaining about it. Also, just read about getting refunded a certain amount and then complaining about the transaction cancellation we just need to chill a bit and let small shops thrive!

I've been buying gemstones for over 15years and I just see few people complaining for things that are complete accepted or because they are unaware. But unless you paid thousands of dollars per stone. Which I'm pretty sure that ruby was not much cause I think it was the same one I was eyeing from that shop!

Was just wondering how much you paid for them?

New member and all of one post to defend the store?

 

[Caroline2308]

Was just my personal experience, and not defending anyone. was just curious cause I had been eyeing on the ruby for some time!

 

[icy_jade]

I wasn’t planning to comment but now that we have that one post…

The Etsy seller is dishonest and clearly did not disclose visible flaws. The issues noted by the 2 PS-ers are considered unacceptable to me. Not when they are clearly eye visible.

One more thing… if the accompanying certs are not from a reliable or reputable one, they are not worth the paper they are printed on. Heard of labs willing to certify stones as Burmese, untreated, pigeon blood, etc when they are clearly not. Ie African rubies, heated, etc. And then when buyers bring them to a reliable lab, the Burmese becomes African, unheated becomes heated, etc.

So buyer beware!

 

[Caroline2308]

Do let me know which shop for you have been perfect? I am still looking for stones for my tourmaline collection and happy to get suggestions.

I agree with you in some cases the Burmese do become African, but not sure about unheated becoming heated. Never happened to me and I only get gems sent to GIA in California.

 

[CaseyLouLou]

I wasn’t planning to comment but now that we have that one post…

The Etsy seller is dishonest and clearly did not disclose visible flaws. The issues noted by the 2 PS-ers are considered unacceptable to me. Not when they are clearly eye visible.

One more thing… if the accompanying certs are not from a reliable or reputable one, they are not worth the paper they are printed on. Heard of labs willing to certify stones as Burmese, untreated, pigeon blood, etc when they are clearly not. Ie African rubies, heated, etc. And then when buyers bring them to a reliable lab, the Burmese becomes African, unheated becomes heated, etc.

So buyer beware!

I agree completely that none of these undisclosed flaws are acceptable. I have inquired about a few stones from this shop recently but didn’t end up buying because it just didn’t feel right.

It’s true that a lot of rubies have flaws and treatment is common etc and that at lower price points the stones are likely to have some flaw or treatment but those details still should be pointed out to a buyer.

To me these stories do reflect a bad experience. At least with Thailand sellers returns are possible which isn’t the case with Sri Lanka.

 

[Avondale]

Not too familiar with Etsy (I’ve only done a handful of transactions), but that might explain the ratio of sales vs reviews!

Actually no! Had to get some rest to see reason, but if they just delete the listing, it won't go into their sales category.

I wouldn't worry about the rest if I were you. I would qualify it as something minor that doesn't really deserve much attention. PP GS provides a sufficient level of buyer protection that I'm inclined to rely more on compared to Etsy which leaves return policies to the sellers' discretion.

And in any case seems everything was just right with the sapphire, which is good to know. I'm eyeing some sapphires and might possibly go for them in the future if finances allow.

 

[Avondale]

Hello, I purchased gemstones from this seller multiple time and never had any problems! Infact I was able to resell them for a much higher price back home! BTW Those two gemstone look amazing! Why are you still upset?

I did ask for discount once where they said would send me a link. If it was discounted then you should probably not be complaining about it. Also, just read about getting refunded a certain amount and then complaining about the transaction cancellation we just need to chill a bit and let small shops thrive!

I've been buying gemstones for over 15years and I just see few people complaining for things that are complete accepted or because they are unaware. But unless you paid thousands of dollars per stone. Which I'm pretty sure that ruby was not much cause I think it was the same one I was eyeing from that shop!

Was just wondering how much you paid for them?

I'll be honest, you're coming off as quite defensive. You've had good experience with the vendor within a business relationship, but this is a consumer forum for consumers to share their feedback, both positive and negative, for the benefit of other consumers. Registering here for the sole purpose of defending the vendor from us, evil buyers, who unfairly bash at them, was a bit of a long stretch, especially given that there was no bashing to begin with.

I would advise you to take your time and read this thread and the other relevant threads on this board in peace and quiet. You will find the answers to your questions and concerns, and I hope that will give you peace of mind.

 

[Eli22]

Actually no! Had to get some rest to see reason, but if they just delete the listing, it won't go into their sales category.

I wouldn't worry about the rest if I were you. I would qualify it as something minor that doesn't really deserve much attention. PP GS provides a sufficient level of buyer protection that I'm inclined to rely more on compared to Etsy which leaves return policies to the sellers' discretion.

And in any case seems everything was just right with the sapphire, which is good to know. I'm eyeing some sapphires and might possibly go for them in the future if finances allow.

Yeah - I got some rest too and realized that was not accurate Sleep deprivation does a number on you (and being in diff time zones in a week certainly doesn’t help).

Sapphire was as described- blemishes and all, so no issues. My very first one was a very dark “twilight” moody stone (though with a great cut), so this one’s brightness drew me in. I like the sapphires you have here!

New baby ruby joins the party

 

[Eli22]

Hello, I purchased gemstones from this seller multiple time and never had any problems! Infact I was able to resell them for a much higher price back home! BTW Those two gemstone look amazing! Why are you still upset?

I did ask for discount once where they said would send me a link. If it was discounted then you should probably not be complaining about it. Also, just read about getting refunded a certain amount and then complaining about the transaction cancellation we just need to chill a bit and let small shops thrive!

I've been buying gemstones for over 15years and I just see few people complaining for things that are complete accepted or because they are unaware. But unless you paid thousands of dollars per stone. Which I'm pretty sure that ruby was not much cause I think it was the same one I was eyeing from that shop!

Was just wondering how much you paid for them?

Caroline - first of all, welcome to Pricescope!

Glad you’ve had good experiences with this seller! A couple of other PSers did, as well. I want to clarify: I did not have a bad experience with them, just an unsettling one. Should a consumer NOT be upset at finding undisclosed blemishes upon receipt of a purchase?

I wrote above that I was aware there was a chip on the back of the ruby. I asked the seller if there was anything additional I should make note of - and the question was not answered. A surface fracture along the entire width of the stone is a pretty significant omission. Along with two chips on the back (I could only see one in the photos/videos).

I knew the sapphire had imperfections, expected them, and felt the descriptions were adequate (except maybe for the term “eye clean” within the listing title) - therefore, it was not the subject of the review.

Nobody complained about the price - so maybe you should stop perseverating on that. We have every right to feel the way we do about the lack of disclosure.

I mentioned that my purchase was a sub-$1k transaction and not worth my time disputing/returning/etc, especially overseas. That being said, everyone’s threshold for these types of transactions is different - don’t be a snob just because the gemstones in question aren’t worth “thousands of dollars.” The price of the goods does not negate a buyer’s expectation of accurate representation of the items.

We listed all the pros of working with this seller - did you miss that? We both kept the stones, stating that we liked their color/qualities enough to overlook the flaws. What we are pointing out is what to expect/not expect from this seller with regards to communication. In this, as with all transactions, caveat emptor.

Consumers sharing personal experiences should not be made to feel as if their feedback is invalid. Your query for a “perfect shop/seller” is a deflection of the matter at hand. NOBODY is saying that this (or any other) seller needs to be perfect. Forthright is a good start.

Good luck with your tourmaline search.

 

[Caroline2308]

I completely agree with you!

 

[Autumn in New England]

Been a bit overwhelmed at work... wish I could have commented earlier. First, congrats on your new ruby, @Avondale! I'm glad you feel you ultimately paid an appropriate price, and that the vendor did try to make things right. It's a lovely stone.

Personally, I agree with you. I take a very narrow view of the phrase "eye clean." If any characteristics are visible to the naked eye, then the stone is simply not eye clean. Some vendors, even a few beloved ones here on PS, will argue that "eye clean" is only achieved when the stone is held at 12 or more inches away. Not in my book.

The "natural" on the pavilion doesn't bother me too much, because eye clean only pertains to the top view of the gem, but it still should have been pointed out. And, yes, I've always found that certain inclusions were more prominent when light enters from the side of the stone. I had a spinel sold to me as eye clean. Indeed it was for every single orientation and light source even upon the closest inspection. One day, light was entering from the side of the gem box just right (or wrong, as it were), and bam... huge feather taking up a good 25% of the stone. I was beyond the return period at that time, unfortunately. The good news is, that effect tends to dissipate a bit once set.

Anyway, yes, I have purchased from this seller and been very pleased (rubellite and garnet). But that doesn't negate your experience and concerns, which are all very valid.

 

[Avondale]

@Autumn in New England Thanks for chiming in! I'm actually quite glad to hear that other people have had entirely positive experience with the seller. There's plenty of feedback on high-end vendors here on PS, but not nearly enough on more budget-friendly shops. And if miscommunication is the main drawback of working with a specific vendor (as it's shaping up to be so far) - well, that's something that can usually be compensated for with enough effort invested on the buyer's side. From that point on it's on each individual buyer to make the informed decision whether they want to make that investment or not.

And yes, I'm ultimately happy. What could otherwise be a major clarity issue would be compensated for with the right metalwork, and I paid a price that's very hard to beat. Sometimes you have to choose which compromises you want to make. I sacrificed my ruby budget for my dream vacation and a once in a lifetime experience and believe it was ultimately the right choice for me.

 

[Autumn in New England]

@Autumn in New England Thanks for chiming in! I'm actually quite glad to hear that other people have had entirely positive experience with the seller. There's plenty of feedback on high-end vendors here on PS, but not nearly enough on more budget-friendly shops. And if miscommunication is the main drawback of working with a specific vendor (as it's shaping up to be so far) - well, that's something that can usually be compensated for with enough effort invested on the buyer's side. From that point on it's on each individual buyer to make the informed decision whether they want to make that investment or not.

And yes, I'm ultimately happy. What could otherwise be a major clarity issue would be compensated for with the right metalwork, and I paid a price that's very hard to beat. Sometimes you have to choose which compromises you want to make. I sacrificed my ruby budget for my dream vacation and a once in a lifetime experience and believe it was ultimately the right choice for me.

My brother is a world-traveler, Avondale. I can see his eye twitch when he considers all the trips that could be had with gem funds. So he'd certainly say you made the right call!

Yeah, I always say, unless one has an unlimited gem budget, there's always a compromise (especially with ruby). I wish you hadn't experienced any bumps along the way with this vendor, but I'm glad you're ultimately pleased. I think you did well.